Family Friendly Home, Comfy Cozy and Close to Everything Crystal Coast, Atlantic

OUR JOURNEY: As a family, we often struggled to find space within our budget, central to many adventures, where our family could build memories and sometimes bring the extended family along. And so, when unexpected blessings gave us the opportunity to create this space, we set out to make it a home away from home that we could both enjoy with our loved ones and share with other families. We hope with all our hearts that you'll find Joyful Days and Restful Nights here.


THE HOME
Turtle's Tuck has room for the whole family! Our breezy beachy-themed home has just had quite the facelift! The entire interior is newly painted. We have beautifully resurfaced pecan floors through most of the house and LVP in the bathrooms. It's been updated with all new family-friendly items and amenities. Here, you'll find fun furnishings, all new textiles (curtains, bedclothes, couch, chairs), creative spaces, and even a little laptop desk (in case you just HAVE to take that meeting!). The cozy 1100' sq.ft. home is just 8 blocks from the Atlantic Beach Bridge and 3mi to the Atlantic Beach circle.

A white picket fence surrounds a pretty front garden with flowers most of the year, while a fenced-in back yard and backyard deck provide plenty of space for grilling, gathering, games, or giving the dozens of visiting birdies a little treat. (We'll even leave a little seed for you to share!)

Update: Summer 2023
We are incredibly grateful that our little house has received such love. Please read the reviews we have received. These, combined with many guest communications, help us know we're truly supporting families, as we set out to do. We continue to tweak bits here and there, as our guest offer feedback.

THINGS TO DO:
Bounce from beach to beach on Bogue Banks, a barrier island at the southernmost part of the Outer Banks. You'll find Atlantic Beach Circle is just 3 miles away. Ft. Macon is less than 5 mi., Pine Knoll Shores Public Parking 9 mi., and Emerald Isle Public Parking 15 mi.

You'll reach downtown Morehead's waterfront in 3 miles. There are parks, boat slips, mini-golf, an arcade, shopping, restaurants, historical sites, fishing and water sports options nearby. Morehead City itself is on Bogue Sound. Between the local offerings and the Atlantic Ocean, there is much to see and do. We definitely recommend you reserve a day for the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. (When you go, be sure to say hello to the area's favorite "rescue", Nimbus!) With an easy 6 mi. drive you'll reach downtown Beaufort's quaint waterfront restaurants and docks. Visit the Rachel Carson Reserve, or try a Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari.

In the guide we've prepared for Turtle's Tuck, you'll find many lists and maps to help you get the most out of your stay. Keep the kids occupied in one of the local parks, play mini-golf, or drop by the local arcade,

If you care to explore a little more of the eastern seashore... Harker's Island is about 20 miles up the road, though it's part of an area called "Down East". The Davis Shore Ferry, will take you to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Climb the light, visit the Keeper's Quarters, swim, or just enjoy the wildlife. For a great day trip of a different sort, Route 70W will lead you 40 miles to the 300 year-old town of New Bern. Bordered by the Trent River, New Bern is home to Tryon Palace, several walking tours, an historic trolley tour, and much more. On the way to New Bern is Cherry Point Marine base. Regardless of your interests, please be sure to check for hours, restrictions, reservations and costs in advance so your little ones are not disappointed.

ALLERGY NOTE
Our family has a beagle mix rescued dog that visits the house. We also accommodate registered service dogs whenever possible. If you have allergies, this will be important for you to know as we DO NOT recommend those with dog allergies stay at this home. No matter how gifted our cleaner is, we wouldn't want there to be any challenges for folks with allergies.

Unfortunately, experience has led to us not allowing pets as a whole. If you have any questions about our policy, we do invite you to reach out to us.

BACKYARD:
We've recently embarked on an entire renovation of the backyard. The entire property was rehabbed. Dead trees and debris were removed, the grass was reseeded and a small grilling area was added. It's so green and lush back there now!

WHAT DO WE ASK OF OUR GUESTS? HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS:
-Mattress protectors are on the beds, which our housekeeper expertly cleans. We need you to strip your beds. That helps streamline cleaning, but it's also a great was to confirm that nothing gets left behind.
-Please remove all trash and place it in the marked cans found at the corner of the garage. Kindly bring cans to the curb on TUESDAY, trash night, and return to their place Wednesday.
-See that anything moved (such as chairs or pillows) goes back to their original spot. The TV remote is kept in the drawer of the entry table.
-Double-check all personal items are removed.
-Check out on time. Before you do, we'd love you to leave an entry in our guest journal. If you care to share a photo from your trip we'll print it and add it to the book for you.

HOME FEATURES:
-We share starter laundry soap and dryer sheets for the washer and dryer. *No bleach use, please. Lint trap is emptied w/each load.
-Kitchen items are supplied, including: a few hand towels, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher pods and rinsing agent, and trash bags for both kitchen and bathroom cans.
-We supply two bath towels and a washcloth for each guest. Of course, we make sure there are a few extras on hand. Please don't bring our bath towels to the beach! We supply 1 beach towel per person.
-Sheets: Each bed is made up when you arrive. The port a crib does not have a sheet for safety. Please bring one you are comfortable with.
-A few extra towels, blankets and sheet sets for the twin room are provided, just in case. Sheets and a quilt for the Queen pullout are also on hand. (Please was any "oopsie" sheets right away.)
-NOTE: We do NOT supply sheets for the Graco PACKNPLAY Playard with bassinet. There is much debate about the safest products to use, so we invite you to bring your preferred sheets with you.
-Bosch Dishwasher - featuring Bosch's famous Condensation Drying which eliminates most bacteria (Bosch claims their product kills up to 99.9% of bacteria.)
-Large side-by-side refrigerator with in-door water and icemaker (All water is filtered. Kitchen drinking tap receives an extra layer of attention.)
-(2) Hairdryer, cordless vacuum, Swiffer, and all-purpose cleaner are provided. Please respect the space and clean spills and messes as you go.
-Regular size, jet tub (King Bathroom) with overhead shower head, "Spa" style. *Older tub; nothing overly fancy.
-Shower/tub combo in hall bath
-Rocking chair-style front porch with 2 seats.
-Back deck with built-in seating.
-Four extra resin Adirondack deck chairs front and back (easily moved to backyard)
-Shed (off-limits at this time as it has not yet been refurbished)
-Tiny screened-in area off the shed with outdoor games( not yet refurbished... coming soon)
-Mason Jar vases for picking whatever is in bloom
-Critter watching - A variety of birds and little lizards often visit. Of course, these are not to be caught or held as pets.
-Battery-powered lantern, flashlights, and emergency crank radio, plus extra charging brick for cell phone
-Fire extinguisher
-Nightlights (plus extras under king room vanity)
-Ceiling fans in all but the twin room
-Some childproofing is in place, but not fully included throughout the home. Parents, we count upon your vigilance. We do, however, provide outlet covers and have added select childproofing options to a few *cabinets. *Knife drawer w/grill igniter in kitchen, under sink cabinet w/cleaning supplies, vanity in King bathroom where first-aid kit and other items are kept
-We maintain regular pest control. Please be vigilant about keeping doors and windows closed. The screen on the sliding door and the front storm door provide great barriers. Bugs happen at the beach; working to keep them out is very important.
-3 Roku TVs.
-Forgotten items basket with a few essentials, in case you remember your toothbrush is missing and it's midnight.
-Propane grill
-"Drop zone" device charging area with a few cords for IOS and Android
-Kitchen includes a few condiments and many spices

***SHIBUMI USE POSSIBLE! We have a SHIBUMI shade structure available. Use requires (2) things: watch the setup video (<2 min) and leave a $100 deposit. Your deposit will be returned as soon as we (or our housekeeper) confirm the Shibumi is returned as promised. One of the best parts about the Shibumi is that it's light and portable. Unfortunately, some have taken advantage of the advantage (In other words, a $300 family shade structure sometimes forgets to come back home :(. Thanks for understanding our need for a deposit.)

SHOPPING & DINING
Dozens of local restaurants within 5 miles. Lowe's grocery is 4 blocks away; Walgreens drug store is 2 blocks further. Walmart and Lowe's Home Improvement are 5 miles away. Bait and Tackle Shops over Atlantic Beach Bridge (Note: Walmart has many cost-friendly options, too.) Morehead has a great many thrift and antique shops.

PARKING
At the house, there is (1) driveway with room for 2 vehicles. If you want to park a vehicle and trailer, please reach out to ask us if your setup would fit. The garage is not for guest use.

Much of the area has free parking but be on the lookout for P Parking signs and paid parking locations. Atlantic Beach's main area has paid parking, as does the Beaufort waterfront. Parts of downtown Morehead also have paid parking. Please note that the speed limit varies along main roads and changes along the route. Take care to note changes, or use a GPS app to help you note the limits.